Effects of edutainment on knowledge and perceptions of Lisu mothers about the immunisation of their children

Objective: This study assessed the immediate effects of edutainment modules on changes in knowledge and perceptions towards the Expanded Programme for Immunisation (EPI) among an under served minority (Lisu) population. Method: An edutainment module was developed on mobile tablets for use by village health volunteers. As the study was conducted among a vulnerable population in a low-resource setting, it was designed as a simple pre-post assessment without a comparison group. Results: Participating Lisu mothers accepted and understood the edutainment module, and the intervention appears to have successfully improved their knowledge and perceptions of EPI. Tests showed a significant immediate improvement in knowledge, and an increasing proportion of participants reported having positive perceptions of the EPI process. The edutainment module may be an effective tool for highlighting the importance of appropriate practices and addressing misconceptions. Conclusion: The edutainment modules were considered user-friendly and attractive health-promotion tools by both health-care providers and villagers. This initiative's effect on knowledge and perceptions towards child immunisation programmes among this group showed the positive potential of using modern technology when approaching hard-to-reach, under-vaccinated populations.